Oh my mama always told me better
Than to play with a loaded gun
If I'd just listened to her
She'd never'd had a prisoner for a son
The picture is still in front of my eyes
And the echo in my ears
When the jury said “He's guilty”
And the judge said “Ninety-nine years”
Oh for ninety-nine years
I'll watch the sun rise over the same ol' scene
Ninety-nine years nothing but an empty cell for company
Yet there's not very much that stands between me
And the freedom I hold dear
Just a thousand bars
A big brick wall
And a sentence of ninety-nine years
I kissed my darlin' on her tender lips
And they took me by the hand
Had a nice little ride on a ferry boat
To the Rock Worth Prison Stand
The warden said as he locked the door
“I hope you like it here”
“Just make yourself at home
“You're gonna be with us ninety-nine years”
I've almost forgotten what my real name is
Been a number for so long
Making little bitty rocks outta
Great big rocks
Gets old as the days wear on
But I'll do my best for ninety-nine years
Just to try and stay alive
'cuz the governor said
If I'd be good I'd get out at ninety-five
Oh for ninety-nine years
I'll watch the sun rise over the same ol' scene
Ninety-nine years nothing but an empty cell for company
Yet there's not very much that stands between me
And the freedom I hold dear
Just a thousand bars
A big brick wall
And a sentence of ninety-nine years
